New York – D.A. Warns Staten Islanders of New ‘secret shopper’ Scam

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    A sample of the letter victims are receiving.Staten Island, NY – District Attorney Daniel Donovan today warned borough residents to be on the lookout for a new “Secret Shopper” scam which targets unsuspecting victims by mail, urging them to fork over $3,500 and their bank account information to facilitate the payment of taxes on a bogus sweepstakes prize.

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    Victims are sent a letter via Canadian Post, informing them they’ve won a $200,000 prize in a sweepstakes program from major retailers in which a ticket naming the recipient of the letter had been entered.

    The recipient is then asked to call a phone number to arrange a wire transfer to facilitate payment of $3,500 in taxes. The victim is also provided an official-looking check in the amount of $4,200 to assist in the payment of the taxes on the winnings.

    The bogus check will be rejected by a bank as counterfeit, leaving the victim with a loss of $3,500 and their bank information compromised.


    Read more at Staten Island Advance


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    3 Comments
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    Eli
    Eli
    14 years ago

    The crazy thing is that there will always be someone who will go for these scams and always convince themselves its a real thing. I just feel bad. Just keep your eyes opened. Good luck!

    Liepa
    Liepa
    14 years ago

    Why are people so naive and dumb. If it’s to good to be true than that’s exactly what it is, to good to be true.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    the real problem is people are filling out real legitamate papers at wal marts, bjs costco and other major outlets to win prizes. Thieves steal the papers that are legitimate and then when you get the letter you remeber filling out the form at the store.
    This is how the thieves are catching people off guard.